Information Services Management Committee

Minutes of the Meeting of June 5, 2001
1:30 - 3:30 P.M.
Porter Conference Room 428

Present: Maureen McCormack, Doug Morton, Susan Moskal, Shabiran Rahman, Susan Routliffe (Chair), Mary Stanley (Recorder)

Regrets: Marlene Laurence, Wish Leonard, Linda Teather

Guests: Alice Clair, Jitka Dvoracek, Eva Havlik, Michele Laing, Judy McTaggart, Carol Steele

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the May 29, 2001 meeting were approved.

2. ASKLIB

Susan R. provided some background information about ASKLIB. The service was first introduced in April 1993. When the fast track group redesigned the library website, ASKLIB became one of the options available from the ASK US/TELL US page. The ASKLIB service has not been as heavily used as initially expected. We are not alone, academic libraries across the country have experienced modest demand for this type of service. Although in the near future, ISMC will be looking into options for an interactive-type reference service, it was felt that the group should consider ways to improve access to ASKLIB as well as the design of the ASK US/TELL US page.

Michele Laing began the discussion with a presentation to the group based on her involvement with CNAG and the types of questions being asked. As well, Michele attended a Virtual Reference Conference recently. Michele walked the group through the following:

• A sample of questions received through ASK US/TELL US
• The ASK US/TELL US web page
• Sample Library Web sites

The group then discussed the suggestions Michele presented along with other ideas introduced. The group was asked to consider if we need to retain the publication HOW TO #50 - ASKLIB: UW Library's Electronic Reference Service. The group agreed that the publication was no longer needed. Esther Millar will inform librarians who are currently linking to this publication on their discipline pages. It was also agreed that any reference/link to ASKLIB should be changed to ASK US/TELL US.

Susan R. suggested that ISMC strike a taskgroup to review the current ASK US/TELL US page and come up with a new design. The taskgroup will present their recommendations to ISMC and all those involved in the reference service at the ISMC meeting on August 14 (date is subject to change because of vacation schedules). Members of the task group are: Judy McTaggart, Carol Steele, Eva Havlik, Michele Laing, and Sue Moskal.

3. Agenda topics for future meetings

Susan R. presented the committee with an outline of topics to be covered/continued in upcoming meetings.

June 12

• Review User Services and Reference Services

ACTION: Doug will put together a sample of an information binder that could be used by circulation desk staff when the information desk is not staffed.

June 19
• Statistics Related to Information Services
• ISMC membership

Fall/01
• Virtual Reference
• Comprehensive review of Reference Service

Next Meeting
June 12, Porter 428